My father was my hero growing up. There was a lot he taught me, and even more that he protected me from. In doing this, he also shielded me from everything he dealt with. It's not that I didn't think he ever faced any struggles, but he hid it so well I always assumed nothing was going on. That was until 2024. That summer, I had just finished my studies at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and returned home to Georgia. While living with my dad and observing him throughout the day, I noticed that he didn't exercise as much as he used to. I assumed this was just a part of him getting older. A few weeks later, I also noticed that he had begun to lose weight. This didn't make sense to me, because I saw him eating all the foods he usually did. I finally got around to asking him about his health. When he sat me down, I felt my world shift. He revealed that he had been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, and that he had been struggling with it for a while. My heart sank as I processed this information, feeling guilty that I hadn't noticed this drastic change in his health sooner. I also felt confused about why he didn't feel comfortable enough sharing this information with me. My father who had always been a strong figure in my life, was being vulnerable with me for the first time, and admitting that he needed help. I feel like this marked a shift in our parent-child dynamic, because someone who had always been my guardian and caregiver was now the one needing care. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this responsibility. His prognosis was constantly on my mind. The uncertainty of what could happen was like a weight on my shoulders. Every time he had a doctor's appointment, his numbers would be lower than the last time. I didn't know his pain, but it was sad to see someone I once viewed as invincible go through changes in his quality of life. However, I knew I had to be his strength during this time of weakness. He had been separated from my mother for years, and lived alone, so it was up to me to look after him. I took on more responsibilities: cooking for him, helping him clean, ensuring he took his medicine on time, and taking him to doctors' appointments. I helped him navigate through difficult decisions for his health, too, such as cutting out certain foods and alcohol from his diet. My dad was also more limited in what he could do since his medication made him tired, so I did more activities with my baby sister(who was unaware of the situation). I took her to the lake and on hikes with me to maintain a sense of normalcy while silently carrying this burden. This experience has increased my awareness of kidney health and preventive measures, so that I can be prepared in case I am genetically predisposed. It has also influenced me to learn more about medical information related to diseases like these, and solidified my interest in pursuing medicine by giving me a deeper purpose and drive for my career. Though this disease has had a negative impact on my dad and is sometimes overwhelming for me, it has brought us closer and allowed me to support him the way he has always supported me. Together, we have developed collective resilience and dedication to stopping the progression of his disease and relieving the symptoms.

Growing up as one of seven siblings, I was a very ambitious kid who always found ways to stand out. Even as a child, I understood that I wanted to use my passions and intelligence to serve others, which is a core value that has defined me. I had a diverse range of interests: I loved chess because of how much it made me think, I loved track because it taught me discipline, and I was passionate about environmental and social advocacy because they sparked my interest in society as a whole. But above all, my love and compassion for animals is what shaped my early career goals. In fact, there was nothing I loved more in the world than dogs. While my siblings had their own fascinations, animals were my thing. On career day in fifth grade, I remember proudly stating my intention to become a Veterinarian. However, my path was redirected when I unfortunately had experiences with profound loss at an early age. I lost my grandmother to Dementia in 2018, and my close friend to a car accident in 2020. These experiences changed my understanding of my purpose. While my passion for animals was strong, the potential to save or impact human lives was stronger. From then on, it was clear that healthcare, a field where I could channel my desire to heal and protect others, was my calling. Though my career path has narrowed, the multifaceted drive I had as a child continues to fuel my approach to life now. Throughout high school and college, I've maintained my commitment to my interests: supporting marginalized communities, engaging in sustainability efforts, and participating in volunteering and mentoring programs. I still make it a point to volunteer at the local Humane Society as well, making rescued animals feel loved as often as I can. I also mentor younger students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds interested in healthcare, ensuring that they have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. Every day, I continue to honor the legacies of my grandmother Glenda and friend Isabella, who always believed in leaving the world better than we found it. My setbacks, while difficult, clarified my decision to pursue medicine, a field that demands the determination and integrity that my childhood ambitions cultivated in me. Having learned from my experiences and observations of the world around me, I am better equipped to do what I can to improve it and create meaningful change. When my life ends, I know my success won't be measured in material achievements, but in the lives I've touched and the barriers I've helped dismantle for others.

Reading has never just been a hobby for me. Instead, it’s like a gateway to an alternate reality where stories transform from words on a page to vivid, movie-like scenes playing out in my mind. This transformation of mere text into mental imagery has always fascinated me, but never more than when I first discovered Gregory Maguire’s, “Wicked” in 2018. From the moment I opened its pages, I became entranced with Oz and all of its characters and mysteries. In this context, however, Oz was no longer a familiar setting from a children’s tale, but a complex, real world with political and historical implications hidden within. The map at the beginning of the book became my companion and a great reference point as I traced Elphaba’s journey through Munchkinkand, Shiz, the Emerald City, and the remote corners of Oz. I even found myself shifting back and forth between sections of the book, connecting subtle hints and foreshadowing with later revelations. This allowed me to piece together the puzzle of Elphaba’s transformation from misunderstood student to the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. As I dove deeper, I developed an unexpected connection with Elphaba. Her intellectual curiosity and determination to stand up for her beliefs resonated deeply within me. The book challenged my preconceptions about good and evil, forcing me to question the true nature of both. Each chapter was complex and layered, transforming the friendly, familiar world of L. Frank Baum’s original story into something much more visceral and thought provoking. When I finally had the opportunity to see the Broadway musical, it seemed as if I was witnessing my imagination come to life. Though, it wasn’t just a visual experience — it felt like a validation of the personal connection I had formed with each character in the book. More recently, the release of the film adaptation added yet another dimension to my “Wicked” experience. Watching Elphaba’s story unfold on the big screen felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The film was beautifully crafted, with clever references to “The Wizard of Oz”. The soundtrack’s intricate lyrics also revealed new meanings with each listen, much like how reading the book several times continuously unveiled new depths. So, why am I a fan? The thing about “Wicked” is that each iteration—whether it be book, musical play, or film—has enhanced rather than replaced my original experience of the story. It has grown with me, offering new insights and emotional resonance as I have matured. What I once saw as a tale of a girl with a misunderstood identity has now become a tale with themes of political resistance, the complexities of friendship, and the power of perspective when it comes to shaping our understanding of the truth. Through “Wicked”, I have learned that the best stories don’t simply entertain us—they challenge us, grow with us, and ultimately teach us.